Garbage or refuse incinerator



Dec. 8, 1931. w. F. DREW GARBAGE OR REFUSE INCINERATOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 v Filed Jan. 16, 1925 '-1-' i f l INVENTOR.

Dec. 8,` 1931. w, F DREW 1,835,147

GARBAGE OR REFUSE INGINERATOR Filed Jan. i6, 19,25, 1- 2. Sheet:.=-She=:etv 2 Patented Dec. 8, 1931 PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM F. DREW, F LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA GARBAGE 0R REFUSE IN CINEBATOR Application led January The object of my invention is the elaboration and perfection of requisite means whereby the inherent principles of the deviceinvolved in application on Garbage and refuse incinerators tiled Jan. Q, 1925, Serial Number 123, now Patent 1,714,005, issued May 21, 1929, subtend and emulate methods and treatment of the materials'to be incinerated pyrosterilization of putrescent fumes and their disassociation from dust and ash as carri'ers, continuous circulation, at will, of the gases of combustion for cremation or abnormal putrescence, oxidation of the normally discharged non-combustible residue, tin,

wire, etc., in a retort.

Another object, is elimination of stoking a marked improvement in actual present practice.

Another object of my inventi'on is the reversal of methods most generally involved in present actual practice: passing the hot gases of previous combustion (on their way to a combust-ion chamber or vent) over or around the green charge to follow, mainly dependent or permeability and periodical stoking of the Green charge, for evaporation of the moisture therein-a cooling process following primary combustiom-t'o be directly passed to the chimney vent, or in supplemental combustion chambers, be subjected to reduced thermal destruction due to the. latent heat or evaporation of the green charge. The reversal of this process is obtained in my invention by charging or intruding-without segregation or extraction of liquids, lfree or in suspensioninto the upper feed, or, for characterization, cold end of the tubular rotary combustion chamber, the materials to be sterilized and incinerated, together with the oxygen (air) of combustion, whereby the green charges are gradually heated with liberation of moisture and fumes, which, to gain exit, must pass through the successively increasing thermal zones of combustion, to final exit through the highest tempera-ture of the destructive process naturally present at the lower discharge end of the tubular rotary combustion chamber; the gases, occulent dust and heavier ash being thoroughly pyro-sterilized.

16, 1925. Serial No. 2,852.

Another object of my invention is elimination, under normal operating conditions, of forced draft pressures, from two to twelve ounces in forced draft, or that pressure resulting from high chimneys, required to force the air for combustion through the heavy heterogeneous periodically stoked charges incincrated on the stationary grate with attendant lack of thorough sterilization of the dust and fumes due to excessive pressure velocities, together with the deposit of large quantities of the heavier dust particles in the dust chambers, and discharge from the chimney of those held in suspension. This objectionable feature is overcome in my invention bythe use ofthe tubular rotary combustion chamber wherein the heavy materials to be incineratednaturally occupy the lower longitudinal space, and the liberated gases supporting combustion together with the nicely proportioned requisite volume of air for combustion (requiring no excess volume of from fifty to one hundred per cent) gently intermingle, and combine in the unobstruct- -ed upper 'longitudinal volume of the tubular rotary combustion chamber, and, due to inclination of the airisv with resultant trapping of the gases, cause the lire to hang or linger in the tubular rotary combustion chamber thus producing a true refinement of complete destruction by incineration. The fan is mainly employed for the circulation and reburning of abnormally obnoxious gases or those arising from cremation, and so arranged as to produce draft, but the essence of the method involves the lowest pressures required for gentle circulation in normal operation. A

My invention embodies complete incineration, deodorization of gases, sterilization and retention of resultant ash and dust, oxidation of the usually non-combustible residue specified, and eliminates the tall chimney erected primarily to conduct the gases of incomplete u deodorization .to a sucient height for removal of these obnoxious gases from the vicinity of the plant.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists in the novel constructionI and combination of parts heneinafter described, illustrated in the acompanying drawings, and set forth in the claims hereto cq'ipended.

llig. 1 is a longitudinal section with partial elevation of the device.

Fig. '12 vis a cioss-sectional view on line 52-2 of Fifi'. 1, schematically depicting the elevator and bucket runs by means of dotted lines.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view on line 3--3 of Fig. 1. e

Figs. a, 5 and (i are relatively longitudinal cross-sectional views respectively on lines t-l, 5*-5, and 'Ci-6, of Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional View on y lines 7--7 of Figs. 1 and 6.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary plan view of the tuyre grate in the lower portion of the oxidizing retort.

Referring more directly to the drawings a tubular rotary combustion chamber ensemble 1, composed of a refractory lining 2, is sup ported and bound together by a continuous outer steel shell or other suitable frame 3, provided with integral circular rails 4, the ensemble 1 mounted longitudinally revolvably and inclined at required angle to the horizontal to accomplish the required speed or travel of the contents through its length for incineration by thelieat developed therein, the first portion ofsucli length of the tubular rotary combustion chamber ensemble 1, acting as an agitator, evaporator and dryer of the contents, and the successively higher thermal zones developed therein, due to increasing infiammability of the material to be incinerated, involving successive destruction until at the lower or discharge end the relatively non-combustible residue, tin cans, wire, etc., and the gases of combustion are freed from the ensemble 1. The tubular rotary combustion chamber ensemble 1 is supported on a set of axially parallel rollers 5, set upon suitable supports, not shown, and longitudinal movement of the ensemble 1 is restrained by any suitable thrust bearing illustrated as a set of conical rollers 6, engaging a rim 7, integral with ensemble l which is caused to axially rotate by any suitable means as a ring gear 8, to which suitable geared ower, not shown, is applied. The open end upper extremity 9, of the ensemble 1 projects into a refractory lined chamber 10, provided with airinlet ilues later described, and the auxiliary heat source illustrated as a gas or oil burner 11, the flame thereof directed into the open end upper extremity 9 of the'tubular rotary combustion chamber ensemble 1. The' bottom of the chamber 1() forms a small dust box 10; provided With cleanout doors 1Q, in the pits 13.

Storage space ofI any desired capacity and form adaptable to the material to be inciner- .ated is illustrated as a ground-level floor 14,

provided with a dependent bin 15, the lower resale? extremity of which terminates in a chamber 1G, interposed between said bin 15 and said tubular rotary combustion chamber 1, in which works a plunger or ram 17, power actuated to reciprocate in the chamber 16 by any suitable means illustrated as a hydraulic cylinder 18, controlled by a suitable valve 1S. The plunger 17 is so constructed that its upper surface 19, forms a gate for the bin as illustrated in the closed position of the intruding stroke of the plunger or rain 17. An extension 20 of the chamber 16, extends through the chamber 10 and into the open end upper extremity 9 of the tubular rotary combustion chamber ensemble 1, forming thereby a feeding means for the successive gravity fed charges from the bin 15 to the chamber 1G, thence intruded by the plunger 17 to the extension 20, and interior of the ensemble 1.

To confine thc gases of combustion, receive the ash and dust, and the additional gases from the oxidation retort 27, the open end lower extremity of ensemble 1 projects into the refractory lined chamber 21, transvcrsely disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of ensemble 1, and connected respectively by the openings 22, to the adjacent ends of laterally disposed refractory lined dust settling chambers or flues 23, later described. ln the lower portion of the chamber 21 and beneath the lowest portion of the periphery of the lower open end extremity of the tubular rotary combustion chamber ensemble 1, is a water cooled grizzly Q5 extending transversely of the chamber 21 and inclined to the horizontal sufficiently to discharge the larger particles; tin cans, wire, large bones .from cremation, etc., of the normally noncombustible residue discharged from the ensemble 1., into a oxidation retort 27, the refractory walls thereof confining a volume requisite to accomplish the requirements of intensive pyro-oxidation by means of a gas or oil burner 26. rl`he lower portion of the oxidizing retort is provided with a tuyre7 grate28,the topvarea oflthe individual tuyres being perforated for cqualizing the delivery of the blast air supplied from any suitable source as a blower, not shown, together with other required elements for oxidation of the miscellaneous contents of the retort 27, such elements and blastv air delivered for distribu tion by a bustle or header pipe 29. The ash from the retort 27 together with the segregated ash from the grizzly which falls into the ash pit 25', are deposited by gravity in a boot 30, to boremoved therefrom by the bucket elevators 31 to the ash bin 35, thence discharged by gravity through suitable 'gates in the bottom of the ash bin 35, to the adopted disposal means as dump cars or trucks. As the elevators 31 are similar in structure and functions a description of the one will serve for the other. The tail sprocket 31 carrying the bucket chains, illustrated by vsions to accommodate a combustion air assale? sha-ft for the elevator 3l, to the associated,

yguide sprocket 32 suitably mounted to rotate in the top of the. shaft for the elevator 31,

the run then passing inwardly in a horizontal direction and over the driving sprocket 34' mounted in a fixed position on the shaft 34. The shaft 34 being driven by suitable power Imeans not shown. In passing over and under the driving sprocket 34 mounted on the shaft 34 the buckets discharge their contents by gravity into the bin 35, thereafter the run i of empty buckets is carried outwardly to the associated guide sprocket 32 mounted on suit-able shat'ting to rotate in the top of the.

shaft for the elevator 31, thence downwardly tothe associated guide sprocket 32, thence inwardly and over the take-up sprocket 33, (a well known device that requires no further description) thence downward in the vertical shaft for the elevator 31 to the associated guide sprocket 32 mounted on suitable shafting to rotate in the bottom of the shaft for the elevator 31, thence inwardly to and over the tail sprocket 31 mounted as described in the boot 30.

T he refractory lined laterally disposed dust settling chambers or fines 23, their adjacent ends connected to the chamber 2l by the openings 22, each provided with a damper 37, for isolation of the respective dust settling chambers or lues are cleaned out through a chute 38 connected respectively to the bottom of the elevator shafts 36, whereby 'all sweepings may be discharge direct L ly to the elevators 31 and thus deposited in the ash bin 35. The chambers 23 are -provided with avfloor 39,conforming to the general grade of excavation, sloping upward to the end laterallyfadjacent the feed end of ensemble 1,- and terminate in a chamber 40, Fig. 6 of the drawings, of suitable dimenreh'eater 41, composed of a batteryo plpes 42,the removal of each or all burned out. pipes being effected through a manhole 43,

provided with a cover 44. The air to be preheated for combustion passes through the duct 45, Fig. 6 of the drawings, thence through the interior of the battery of pipes 42, to a header flue 46, connected to the chamber 10, and provided with a control damper 47, operated from the main or ground level floor 14 by the Vmechanism 48. 4 To confine the passage of the gases of combustion through the pre-heater 41, a wing-wall 49, Figs. 3 and 7 of the drawings, closes the sectional areaof the dust settling chambers or lues 23 not required by the pre-heater 41, and is provided with a door closed opening 50, for access to v the interior of the dust vsettling chambers.

Upon the main ground level door 14, and above the refractory lined chamber 10, are placed two tan, or blower, systems, serving the respective dust settling chambers or fines 23, mainly for circulating the gases of combustion for the object described, and, as both fan systems are similar a description and illustration of one, Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the drawings, will serve for the-other.

A. power driven fan 52, mounted in the refractory housing 53, is provided with one outlet llue 54 provided with a damper 55, and connects to the chamber 10, the other outlet'lue 56 provided with a damper 57, connects with the chimney flue 53 above the chimney damper 59, Figs. 4 and 7 of the drawings. The inlet of the fan 52 is connected, by a short ilue 6() provided with a damper 61, to the chimney flue 58 at a point below the chimney damper 59. By these means it is evident that, in operation, the fan 52, by closing the chimney damper 59, will, in one in stance: by opening the dampers 55 and 61, and closing the dampers 47 57 and 63, cirA culate at will, the gases of combustion throughout the entire system; for the purpose described, or in the other instance by closing the dampers 55 and 63, and opening the damp- 'ers 47, 57 and 61, the fan 52 will then produce a forced draft throughout the entire system; in the event of atmos heric conditions unfavorable to the requlred draft, as, warm weather, eddy currents, or chimney down draft.

In the event of abnormally diicult incineration of the charge present in the tubular rotary combustion chamber, or periods of .overtaxed plant capacity, a forced draft may be resorted to by use of the followin means: the inlet of the fan 52 is connected y a flue 62, provided with a damper 63, to the header ue 46, which serves, as described, as an outlet flue to the chamber 10, of the air for combustion after having passed through the preheater 41. It is now evident that, in operation, the fan 52, by opening the chimney damper 59, and dampers 55 and 63, and closmg dampers 47, 57 and 61, a forced draft is maintained throughout the entire system.

Under normal conditions natural draft developsthe ultimate perfection of the method: slow, lingering, steady, complete combustion and pyro-sterilization, without excess air a cooling process) or the production of smoke, fumes or dust, this method elected by stopping the fan 52 and opening the chimney damper 59 and the damper 47 of the pre heater header flue 46, whereby natural draft ff Ll i nei throughout the entire system; trie air vmhustion passing through the finct itt", thcacc through the pre-heater 4l, 'ego the header inc 16, connected to the chanibei" lib, thence into the open end upper extremity l of the tubular rotary combustion chamber, siimdtanecalsly passing througlrthc "amei and producing combustion of the auxiliary heat source, illustrated as a gas or oil burner 1l, thence supporting combustion in the tubular rotary combustion chamber l, from which the gases of combustion pass, to either or both o? the dust settling chambers or fines 23, and between thel pipes 42 of the pre-heater 4:1, to the opening (34 at thebase ot the chimney tlue 58 to exit. or at will` subiected to induced or forced draft, or continubus circulation; for the reasons and purposes setl forth.

peration The material to be incineratcd, is deposited, upon delivery, in the bin 15, with the supplemental heat source l1, applied when required to bring up7 or supplement the temperatures of incineration, with the plunger l? in operation, the actuating power thereof, such as the hydraulic cylinder 1S and control valve 18", mechanically or otherwise synchronized with the incineration capacity ot' the tubular rotating combustion chamber 1 with the oxidizing fiame source 2G and blasti air of the tuyere grate" QS properly proportioned to the normally nim-combustible content discharged from the tubular rotary combustion chamber 1,-the entire process becomes continuous-the labor mainly involved being that-of selective draft control and maintenance of a full bin a simplicity and facility of garbage or refuse incineration which does not exist in actual present practice, as even casual study will proclaim and intensive research attirm.-

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. In a garbage incincrator; an inclined rotary combustion chamber; a transverse cham r at the lower extremity thereof; dust settling chambers disposed laterally of said combustion chamber; and means connecting said dust settlin chambers to the lateral extremities of sai transverse chamber.

2. In a n'arbage or refuse incinerator: an inclined tubular rotary combustion chamber; a transverse chamber at the lower extremity thereof z dust chambers on either side of said combustion chamber; and damper controlled passages connecting' said dust chambers to the extremities of said transverse chamber.

3. In a garbage or refuse incinerator: a rotary combustion chamber; a feed chamber connected to the upper end of said combustion chamber; a power actuated plunger in said feed chamber adapted to feed garbage into said combustion chamber; a fan adapted to force combustion supporting air into the upper extremity of said combustion chamber;

means for supplying heat to the upper end of said combustion cliambet; a transverse chamber at the lower end ot` s aid combustion chamber; dust chambers .disposed laterally of said combustion chamber and means connecting said dust chambers to said transverse chamber.

lt. In a garbage or refuse incinerator: an inclined rotary combustion chamber; a transverse chamber at the lower end thereof a plurality of dust chambers laterally disposed to said combustion chamber and damper controlled passages connecting cach of said dust chambers to said transverse chamber.

5. In a garbage or refuse incinerator: a rccci ring door; a storage bin dependant therefrom; an inclined rotary combustion chamber having its upper end adjacent the lower end of said storage bin: a Jfeed chamber connecting the lower end ot said storage bin and the upper end ot said combustion chamber; a power actuated plunger in said feed chamber and substantially fitting said chamber adapted to force garbage into said combustion chamber and simultaneously close thc opening between said storage bin and said feed chamber. f

6. In a garbage or refuse incincrator: an inclined rotary combustion chamber; dust settling chambers connected to the lower extremity ot said combustion chamber; ducts connecting said dust settling chambers with the upper end of said combustion chamber; dampcrs in said ducts; a fan in said ducts adapted to produce a positive circulation of the gases of combustions through said combustion chamber and. said dust settling chambers. V

7. In a. garbage or refuse incincrator, an inclined combustion chamber, a chamber having a plunger therein connected to the upper extremity of said combustion chamber, a dust settling chamber connected to the lower extremity of said combustion chamber, ducts connecting said dust settling chamber with the upper extremity of said combustion chamber and dampers in said ducts whereby the circulation ot' gases through said combustion chamber and said dust settling chamber may be controlled for the purpose specitied.

8. In a garbage or' refuse incinerator, an inclined rotary combustion chamber, the upper extremity thereof terminating in a transversely disposed chamber, damper controlled dues and an air pre-heater connected to said transversely disposed chamber, a fan in each Hue between said transversely disposed chamber and said flue and air pre-heater, for

the purpose described.

9. In al garbage or refuse incinera-tor, an inclined rotary combustion chamber, the upper extremity thereof terminating in a transverse chamber, a dust settling chamber laterallydisposed to and connected with the lewer extremity of said rotary combustion chamber, en air pre-heater, a. fan located in a duct connected tothe said transverse chambei' and damper controlled lines selectively f 5 connecting; said duct and said dust settling chamber with said air pre-heater as and for Y the purpose speciied.

l0. ln a garbage or refuse incinerator, an inclined rotary combustion chamber, a transl verse chamber connected to the upper extremity of said combustion chamber, a duct connected to the extremity of said transverse chamber, a. fan in said duct, a transverse chamber connected to the lower extremity of l said combustion chamber, dust settling chamhere laterally disposed to said rotary combustion chamber on either side thereof and connected tc said second transverse chamber, an air pre-heater, damper controlled iues 2U connecting said dust settling chambers and said upper transverse chamber with said air pre-heater as and for the purpose specified. 11. In a garbage or refuse incinerator, a receiving floor having a bin dependent therefrom, an inclined rotary combustion chamber, a plunger chamber between the lower end oi said bin and the upper end of said combustion chamber and having a power actuated plunger therein, a receiving chamber at the lower end of said combustion chamber, a grizzly in said receiving chamber, a retort connected to said receiving chamber, dust settling chambers laterally disposed to said combustion chamber and connected by damper controlled openings to the extremities of said receiving chamber, a chamber enclosing the upper extremity of said combastion chamber and terminating in ducts, an air pre-heater, damper controlled flues interposed between and connecting said dust settling chambers and said ducts With said air pre-heater as and for the purpose described. y l

In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand.

WILLIAM F. DREW. 

